The History of Soccer
The history of soccer dates back over 2,000 years, with early forms of the game played in ancient civilizations such as China, Greece, and Rome. The Chinese game of Cuju is often considered the earliest known version of soccer, where players kicked a leather ball into a small net without using their hands. Over time, various cultures developed their own versions of ball-kicking games, but it was in England during the 19th century that modern soccer began to take shape. Schools and clubs in England started creating standardized rules, and in 1863, the Football Association (FA) was formed, officially separating soccer from rugby and establishing the foundation for the modern game.
From there, soccer quickly spread across Europe and to other continents through trade, travel, and colonization. The sport gained massive popularity for its simplicity and the minimal equipment it required. The first international soccer match took place in 1872 between England and Scotland, and by the early 20th century, the game had become a global phenomenon. FIFA was established in 1904 to oversee international competition, and the first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay. Since then, soccer has evolved into the world’s most popular sport, uniting millions of fans and players in a shared passion that transcends borders and cultures.